Mastercard, Unex Bank and the Ukrainian Red Cross launch the first inclusive bank card in Ukraine “Vidchui. My poruch”

Mastercard, Unex Bank, and the Ukrainian Red Cross have launched Ukraine's first inclusive bank card, “Vidchui. My poruch” (eng. “Feel. We are here”) that combines inclusion and charity functionality, unlocking new opportunities to support Ukrainians.

The “Vidchui. My poruch” card is developed based on the Mastercard Touch Card™, ensuring accessibility for blind and partially sighted people to facilitate payments and distinguish between their cards. The distinctive design features a special notch on the side of the card to help consumers use the right card, the right way.

The “Vidchui. My poruch” is designed for receiving financial support from the Ukrainian Red Cross. This bank card serves as a full-fledged payment tool to access a wide range of financial services, including payments, money transfers, and more. Additionally, all cardholders will benefit from preferential rates: specifically, card top-ups, cash withdrawals, money transfers, and utility payments will be commission-free[1].

“Nearly 700 people from three regions of Ukraine[2] who require physical rehabilitation will be able to receive financial assistance from the Ukrainian Red Cross through “Vidchui. My poruch” cards. The introduction of these cards will further expand opportunities for those in need, allowing them to access financial support without limitations, regardless of time and location,” said Olena Skrypnikova, Head of Innovative Financing at the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The Mastercard Touch Card has been vetted and endorsed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the UK and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the U.S. The card was co-designed by IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, providing trusted solutions in the physical as well as digital space. Mastercard first introduced the Touch Card in 2021, and to date, this solution has been implemented in multiple markets worldwide.

“At Mastercard, we strive for a world of equal opportunities, where everyone has barrier-free access to products and services, including financial ones. The Mastercard Touch Card, designed for people with visual impairments, is a vivid example of our commitment to building a world without barriers. This solution is part of a broader range of inclusive initiatives we are implementing in Ukraine to expand opportunities for our users,” said Inga Andreieva, General Manager of Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova.

In addition to the inclusive card, the cooperation between Mastercard, Unex Bank, and the Ukrainian Red Cross also includes the launch of another card, the “Charity” Card. By making purchases with this card, users automatically contribute to supporting Ukrainian Red Cross humanitarian initiatives. Specifically, Unex Bank will donate 1% from the amount of each payment to support vital programs for those most in need. There is no maximum limit on monthly donations – the more purchases made, the larger the charitable contribution. The raised funds will support numerous Ukrainian Red Cross humanitarian programs, from financial assistance to shelter arrangements, healthcare facility restoration, rehabilitation support for affected individuals, and more.

The “Charity” card can be issued online through the Unex Bank mobile app, starting from January 2025. Once issued, the card can be easily added to Google Pay or Apple Pay and immediately used for daily transactions. Users can top up their charity card commission-free at Unex Bank branches, City24 and EasyPay terminals.

“The “Charity” card will become a convenient payment tool for everyday transactions that also allows users to automatically contribute to supporting those in need. Additionally, the “Charity” card can be set up as a secondary salary card, which can be an important factor for businesses and their employees as another step in implementing corporate social responsibility strategy,” said Ivan Svitek,  CEO and Chairman at Unex Bank.